Department of Health and Social Care

Montelukast: Side Effects

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dangers to some users of the asthma drug montelukast; and what discussions they have had with the montelukast UK action group, which has highlighted the risks of the drug.

Lord Markham: Montelukast remains a safe and effective medicine in the treatment of asthma. Montelukast is indicated for use in the United Kingdom as an add on treatment for asthma patients who are inadequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroid treatment, and can be prescribed for the symptomatic relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients with asthma.Neuropsychiatric effects such as depression have been included in the UK product information for montelukast since 2007. This has been subsequently updated with additional terms, based on emerging evidence. This includes the most recent update in 2019, to more fully describe the neuropsychiatric effects. In order to remind prescribers of the risk of the neuropsychiatric effects with montelukast, a Drug Safety Update article was published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2019 to accompany the updated warnings.Following a growing number of Yellow Card reports and queries from patients and caregivers raising concerns about a potential ongoing lack of awareness of the risk of the neuropsychiatric effects with montelukast, the MHRA is conducting a further review of the latest data. As part of our review, we are evaluating all available evidence including Yellow Card reports and queries received by the MHRA, literature publications, international regulatory changes, including those made by the United States’ Food and Drug Administration, and listening to and learning from patients’ experiences.The MHRA has sought advice from our independent expert groups including paediatricians, specialists in mental and respiratory health, as well as experts in medicines safety. Patient representatives from the UK action group, including parents of children and young people who had taken montelukast, were invited to the MHRA’s independent pharmacovigilance expert advisory group (PEAG), to share their lived experiences of dealing with the impact of the neuropsychiatric effects, including the impact of lack of awareness of the side effect. The MHRA is finalising the review process and will communicate on any further measures to minimise the risk, upon completion of our review.

Physician Associates

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the status of the guidance issued by the British Medical Association in its report Safe Scope of Practice for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) in relation to Physician and Anaesthesia Associates.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will issue guidance to the NHS on whether the Government endorses the British Medical Association’s report Safe Scope of Practice for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) in relation to Physician and Anaesthesia Associates.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will discuss the implications for Physician and Anaesthesia Associates of the British Medical Association report Safe Scope of Practice for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) with the UnitedMedical Associate Professionals.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the adoption of the British Medical Association’s report Safe Scope of Practice for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) would restrict the role of Physician Associates.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the adoption of the British Medical Association’s report Safe Scope of Practice for Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) would undermine established governance and frameworks.

Lord Markham: The Government considers scope of practice guidance for Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) and Physician Associates (PAs) to be a matter for the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) respectively, in conjunction with key stakeholders including other medical royal colleges, the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA), and the Association of Anaesthesia Associates. The current scope of practice guidance for AAs, which is applicable across the United Kingdom, is published on the RCoA website. The FPA, which is hosted by the RCP, has also published guidance documents relating to the PA curriculum, code of conduct, and supervision. We understand that both the RCoA and the RCP are currently developing further guidance in collaboration with stakeholders, in relation to supervision and scope of practice. Once regulation begins, the General Medical Council’s published learning outcomes for AAs and PAs will also apply. This sets out a pre-qualification education framework and the outcomes expected of newly qualified AAs and PAs, including professional behaviours and capabilities and minimum expectations for the knowledge and skills required. In addition, employers of AAs and PAs are responsible for ensuring that appropriate governance and supervision are in place, and that individuals within their employment are practicing within their competence.

Gastrointestinal Cancer: Health Services

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the average monthly proportion of lower gastrointestinal cancer patients started treatment within 62 days of referral for each year figures are available.

Lord Markham: The following table shows the average monthly proportion of lower gastrointestinal cancer patient starting treatment within 62 days of referral:YearAverage monthly proportion2017/1872.8%2018/1970.0%2019/2066.7%2020/2150.4%2021/2248.5%2022/2341.7%Source: NHS England Cancer Waiting Times data

Dental Services: Northern Ireland

Baroness Hoey: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the EU'sdecision to prohibit the use and export of dental amalgam by 1 January 2025 on dentistry in Northern Ireland due to the Windsor Framework and Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Lord Markham: The explanatory memorandum (EM) for European Union (EU) mercury products legislation COM(23)395 and C(23)4683, was published on 1 November 2023. The EM provides a summary of the proposal to amend EU regulation 2017/852 on the manufacture, import and export of mercury products. The Department of Health and Social Care is continuing to work with the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to assess all possible impacts of the decision.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UNRWA: Hamas

Baroness Janke: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have undertaken an independent inquiry into allegations by the government of Israel that UNRWA staff took part in the Hamas attack on Israeli citizens on 7 October 2023.

Baroness Janke: To ask His Majesty's Government what is their current position on funding UNWRA.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Detailed questions on this investigation are a matter for the UN. We are appalled by allegations that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff were involved in the 7 October attack against Israel, a heinous act of terrorism that the UK Government has repeatedly condemned.Detailed questions on this investigation are a matter for the UN. As we have set out, we are pressing the UN Office of Internal Oversight and Catherine Colonna, who is leading the independent Review Group appointed by the UN Secretary-General, to produce a rapid interim report. We want UNRWA to give detailed undertakings about changes in personnel, policy and precedents to ensure this can never happen again. We are working with allies to try to bring this situation to a rapid conclusion not least because UNRWA have a vital role to play in providing aid and services in Gaza.Our decision to pause future funding to UNRWA has no impact on the UK's contribution to the current humanitarian response. We have trebled our aid commitment this financial year and we are doing everything we can to get more aid in and open more crossings. We are providing £60 million in humanitarian assistance to support partners including the British Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and Egyptian Red Crescent Society to respond to critical food, fuel, water, health, shelter and security needs in Gaza.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Training

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 15 February (HL2046), how many civil servants completed the Religion for International Engagement training module in (1) 2022, and (2) 2023.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: 222 FCDO officials are recorded as having completed the Religion for International Engagement online training in 2022, and 156 in 2023. The training is also available to other interested civil servants. In addition to this online training module, FoRB is incorporated within FCDO's broader human rights training programme, a 2-3 day course delivered in the UK and overseas. In 2023, with the support of the PM's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, two sessions on FoRB were delivered as part of a human rights seminar series open to all staff. We also provide several additional tools for staff, particularly those based overseas, to support work on FoRB, including a FoRB Toolkit, scale of persecution and framework for FoRB reporting.

Ethiopia: Development Aid

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to their funding announced on 5 February to end preventable deaths in Ethiopia, what consideration they have given toincreasing investments toprevent malnutrition in Ethiopia and itslong-term health and development impacts on women and children.

Lord Benyon: Further to the £100 million Ending Preventable Deaths funding announced in February, the UK will provide £74 million of bilateral humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia up from £44.9 million in 2022/23. We focus where needs are greatest, particularly women and children, by providing support for their health, nutrition, water & sanitation, protection, emergency education and humanitarian and social cash transfers. This financial year alone we have reached 950,000 with critical medical supplies, provided treatment for 80,000 malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women, supported over 200,000 people with cash assistance and supported education for 10,000 boys and girls. This work supports the effective delivery of basic services, reduces long term demand on the humanitarian system and ultimately saves lives.

Horn of Africa: Climate Change

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans toincrease climate funding available to drought-affected and flood-prone communities in the Horn of Africa.

Lord Benyon: Building climate resilience is central to the UK's work in the Horn of Africa where flooding and drought have impacted tens of millions of people. UK funded organisations are working to address the immediate effects of climate change providing life-saving aid to millions. We are doing all we can to promote long-term climate resilience and as part of this to scale-up the provision of climate finances to the Horn of Africa. Last year's White Paper set out a bold vision for the UK's work on this agenda including a commitment to spend at least £1.5 billion globally in 2025 on climate adaptation.

Sudan: Ceasefires

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty's Government what diplomatic steps they are taking (1) to secure an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, and (2) to prevent (a) humanitarian, and (b) regional, ramifications.

Lord Benyon: On 8 March the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2724, led by the UK, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan during the month of Ramadan. The resolution also called on the warring parties to ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian access, including cross-border and cross-line access and expressed support for the UN Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra. The UK continues to work with a wide range of countries and bodies, including traditional allies, Gulf and African partners, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the UN, to realise this Resolution and make progress towards a sustained and meaningful peace process.

Israel: Terrorism

Lord Polak: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel on the terror attack on 16 February at Re’em Junction that killed two and left four injured.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: This terrorist attack serves as a reminder of the daily security challenges Israel faces. The Government condemns all violence against innocent civilians and, as the Government has stated previously, for there to be a lasting peace, Israel's security must be assured. We continue to monitor the situation closely, and we continue to have regular discussions with Israeli counterparts on all aspects of the conflict.

Department for Business and Trade

Tata Steel: Port Talbot

Lord Wigley: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps theyare taking to encourage Tata Steel to minimise job losses in their steel works at Port Talbot.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: The Government is providing a grant worth up to £500 million, as part of a wider £1.25 billion investment by Tata Steel. This will not only modernise Port Talbot but protect the majority of jobs for the long term.Tata has a legal obligation to consult staff in a meaningful way, and this process is underway, led by the company. Whilst this is a process for the company to lead on, Ministers and officials are meeting regularly with both Tata Steel and Union representatives and will continue to hold Tata to account during the consultation process.Regardless of the outcome of the consultation, we are working with Tata Steel to provide up to £100 million of funding for a dedicated Transition Board, with membership including representatives of the Welsh Government, to support impacted employees and the local economy. Tata has also announced that they will provide a £130 million comprehensive support package for affected employees.

Lithium: Wales

Lord Wigley: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of deposits of lithium in Wales and Scotland, and what discussions they have had with the respective devolved administrations to ensure they are aware of such information.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: The Critical Minerals Strategy committed to collate UK geoscientific data and identify areas of geological potential for critical mineral extraction. The Department for Business and Trade commissioned the British Geological Survey to undertake the study, “Potential for Critical Raw Material Prospectivity in the UK”, delivered by the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) and was published in 2023. It is a preliminary assessment of geological factors only, and its findings do not mean prospective areas identified will necessarily be targeted for exploration and mining. Mineral planning policy is also a devolved matter. Areas of potential geological prospectivity for critical minerals were identified in both Scotland and Wales. Regarding the geological prospectivity for lithium, the report identified two areas in Scotland and no areas in Wales.

Products: Environment Protection

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to assess the impact of the EU's introduction ofdigital product passports ontrade agreements and standardsbetween the EU and the UK, and (2) to ensurecompatibility and interoperability with global trading partners' systems.

Lord Johnson of Lainston: My Department is reviewing the product safety framework to ensure it is responsive to new challenges and fit for the future. This includes exploring digital solutions. We have recently announced our intention to introduce new legislation to allow digital labelling for a wide range of product regulations and are working with delivery partners to explore making product safety information digitally available.As we develop our future regulatory framework we are considering the approaches being taken globally and are working closely with other departments to ensure an across Government approach that best meets the UK’s needs.

Treasury

Independent Fiscal Council of Northern Ireland

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the working relationship between the Treasury and the Fiscal Council of Northern Ireland.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: HM Treasury regularly engages with the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council, including discussions on its work to scrutinise the public finances of Northern Ireland.

Childcare: Tax Allowances

Lord Weir of Ballyholme: To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they aretaking to increase Government contributions to Tax-free Childcare Allowance.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Tax-Free Childcare provides financial support for working parents with their childcare costs. For every £8 parents pay into their childcare account, the Government adds £2 up to a maximum of £2,000 in top up per year for each child up to age 11 and up to £4,000 per disabled child until they’re 17.The Government recognizes the importance of supporting parents with the costs of childcare and continues to support families with a range of other childcare offers, including the free hours offer, and support through Universal Credit childcare.

Public Expenditure: Northern Ireland

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask His Majesty's Government how much is to be allocated to the Northern Ireland Executive in the Spring Budget from (1) Barnett consequentials, and (2) direct allocation.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: As a result of decisions taken at Spring Budget, the Northern Ireland Executive will receive around £100 million through the Barnett formula. The Chancellor of the Exchequer also announced £20 million of funding for each of Derry-Londonderry and Coleraine through the Long-Term Plan for Towns, £2 million of funding to boost global investment and trade opportunities in Northern Ireland, and £2.2 million for the redevelopment of the South Stand at Crusaders FC in Belfast into a unique state of the art community centre. Northern Ireland will also benefit from UK-wide tax and spending measures.

Cabinet Office

Public Sector: Artificial Intelligence

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, in its work to improve lives and the delivery of public services, will consider the needs of people with facial palsy, as they may lack the full range of facial expressions.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe: The incubator for Artificial Intelligence focuses primarily on early stage piloting of AI based productivity improvements. We do not currently have any work in the pipeline that involves facial recognition, but we recognise the need for government services to be fully inclusive.All Government Departments are required by our Service Standard to provide support via alternative channels for all their online services that are available to citizens. Our Roadmap for Digital and Data focuses on enabling the confident and responsible use of AI to improve efficiency and services including accessibility requirements.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Housing: Insulation

Lord Stunell: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the number of low-rise homes in England clad in flammable Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride panels, (2) emerging acute fire risks, as evidenced by the fire at Moss Hall Grove in the London Borough of Barnet, and (3) the funding of appropriate remedial action.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: We are aware of the action being taken by Barnet Council and continue to engage closely with them on the steps they are taking, following the Moss Hall Grove fire in June 2023. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is aware and is keeping the situation under review, in line with their duty under the Building Safety Act to keep the safety and standards of all buildings under review.The department will continue to liaise with the BSR and Local Authorities as appropriate to determine whether further action is necessary.Local authorities, including Barnet Council, are responsible for keeping the housing conditions in their area under review with a view to identifying any action that may need to be taken by them. Local authorities have a longstanding duty where they are building owners to manage building safety and performance risks of all kinds in their buildings, and should continue to do so in a proportionate, risk-based, and evidence-based manner.Local authorities are also responsible for managing their own budgets and delivering on their responsibilities. This includes their duty as building owners to assess their buildings and keep them safe, and to take any enforcement action they deem necessary.

National Holocaust Memorial Centre and Learning Service

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government whichgenocides, other than Jewish, will be included in the Holocaust Learning Centre planned for Victoria Tower Gardens; on what criteria they have been selected; whether representatives of those affected communities have been consulted concerning their inclusion; and whether those communities have been asked to contribute to the cost of the Learning Centre.

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government whatwill be the theme of each of the exhibition rooms constituting the Holocaust Learning Centre planned for Victoria Tower Gardens.

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government whatis their current estimate of the cost of building the planned Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.

Baroness Deech: To ask His Majesty's Government whatconsultations they have carried out with UK Jewish communities which are not part of the United Synagogue concerning the planned Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The Learning Centre, co-located with the Holocaust Memorial, will ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are told with honesty and clarity; it will also address subsequent genocides. Information about the Learning Centre themes was presented at the planning inquiry and is available on the Westminster City Council website: cd_8.9_proof_of_evidence_of_stephen_greenberg_1.pdf (westminster.gov.uk)The scope and content of the Learning Centre exhibition will be developed by the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, drawing on a wide range of external advice and expertise.The current forecast cost (£138.8 million, excluding contingency) for completion of the proposed Holocaust Memorial is set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 28 June 2023 (UIN HLWS875). An independent charity, The Holocaust Memorial Charitable Trust, Chaired by Sir Gerald Ronson CBE, will lead the effort to secure pledges towards the fundraising campaign.Extensive consultation on the proposals has been carried out over many years, with contributions from a wide range of individuals and communities across the country.

Employment

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to theInstitute for Public Policy Research reportState of the North 2024: Charting the Course for a Decade of Renewal, published in March, whatsteps they are taking to address the widening gap in employment between London and the rest of England.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: This Government has made significant progress in creating jobs across the whole of England, and we are taking further steps to reduce regional disparities in employment. The Living Standards mission in the Levelling Up White Paper commits to increasing pay, employment and productivity in every region of the UK by 2030.The refocussed Investment Zones programme covers eight places across the North and Midlands, providing more jobs in places and levelling up the economy. Additionally, all eight English Freeports are open for business, unlocking investment into port communities and their hinterlands and bringing jobs to these areas.Following trailblazer deals agreed with the West Midlands and Greater Manchester in March 2023, further trailblazing provisions have been agreed with the North East, enabling local leaders to drive growth in key sectors and tailor local employment support approaches and initiatives that address needs in the area.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Soil: Environment Protection

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle: To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in developing indicator E7 on healthy soils as part of the Outcome Indicator Framework for monitoring progress of the 25 Year Environment Plan.

Lord Benyon: The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) published a concept model for a soil health indicator in June 2023 (please see attached) and we intend to develop a more comprehensive model by 2025. A progress report on the development of the indicator will be published by June 2024. Improving soil health and monitoring changes over time is a priority for government. The E7 indicator for soil health in England will use comprehensive data on soil characteristics (physical, chemical, and biological) and land use to show how different soils are contributing to different ecosystem services as a measure of soil health. Towards the end of financial year 2022/2023, we began national soil monitoring under the Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The data will inform ambitious, proactive, and sustainable policy decisions to support the government's goal to improve the state of the environment within a generation.

Pesticides: Urban Areas

Baroness Hayman of Ullock: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to introduce a phase-out of pesticides in public, urban spaces under local authority control, as has been done in countries such as Luxembourg.

Lord Douglas-Miller: It is for each Local Authority to decide the best way of delivering effective and cost-effective weed control in its operations without harming people or the environment. There is a legal requirement to minimise the use of pesticides in areas used by the public. Further, it is vital that everyone who uses pesticides professionally is appropriately trained and utilises the highest standards of practice possible to protect the public and the environment from the risks associated with pesticide use. This includes fully engaging with effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We are working with stakeholders in the sector to ensure pesticide users fully utilise IPM and reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides and increase their standards.

Home Office

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government whatpercentage of Windrush Compensation Scheme claims they have paid in full so far.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: Information on the total number of Windrush Compensation Scheme claims that have received a compensation payment is published as part of the Transparency Data release. The latest published data, covering the period up to the end of January 2024, is available here: Windrush Compensation Scheme data: January 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).As of January 2024, over £80 million has been paid in compensation across 2,233 claims.An individual could have more than one claim under the Windrush Compensation Scheme rules, for example as a primary claimant, close family member, or as a representative of an estate. In addition, a claim may receive a preliminary, interim and/or full and final payment.Windrush Compensation Scheme data (xlsx, 167.5KB)

Windrush Compensation Scheme

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government when they anticipate having paid compensation in full to claimants of the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: The Windrush Compensation Scheme is determined to ensure everyone who was affected receives every penny of the compensation to which they are entitled at the earliest point possible. The Scheme is making significant progress towards achieving this aim and has paid over £80 million in compensation as of January 2024. However, each person’s claim is deeply personal and deserves to be processed with the utmost care and sensitivity. This holistic approach necessarily takes time but is ultimately beneficial to individuals.The Scheme does not therefore, impose time limit targets for concluding claims.The Scheme has reduced the time to allocate a claim for a substantive casework consideration, from 18 months to under 4 months. The 4-month period includes all essential eligibility checks, together with a Preliminary Assessment to make an initial payment of £10,000 wherever possible. The Scheme has no end date so that people are not prevented from claiming compensation and there is no cap on the amount of compensation that will be paid overall.

Windrush Lessons Learned Review

Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth: To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the remarks byLord Sharpe of Epsom on 29 February (HL Deb col 1190) where he stated that "there are legal proceedings" concerning the decision"not to proceed with some of the recommendations" contained in theWindrush Lessons LearnedReviewby Wendy Williams, what is the nature of those proceedings.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: The “legal proceedings” refer to a Judicial Review, brought by three claimants, to challenge the decision, made in December 2022, of the former Secretary of State for the Home Department to not implement three of the Windrush Lessons Learned recommendations. The three policy recommendations are: recommendation 3, run reconciliation events; recommendation 9, introduce a Migrants’ Commissioner; and recommendation 10, review the remit and role of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

Hate Crime: Disability

Baroness Merron: To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to promoting awareness of the grounds for reporting appearance-related abuse or harassment as a disability-related hate crime, including on public transport.

Lord Sharpe of Epsom: We have a robust legislative framework to respond to hate crimes which target disability. We expect the police to fully investigate these appalling offences and work with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.The Government is pleased to see the overall reduction in police-recorded hate crime in the year ending March 2023, including a 1% reduction in disability hate crime compared with the previous year. However, any instance is one too many and we remain absolutely committed to ensuring these appalling offences are stamped out.We do not have a specific category of “appearance-related abuse” in the current legal framework, however criminal offences can be prosecuted as hate crimes when immediately, before, during or after the offence was committed the offender demonstrated hostility towards the victim based upon the victim’s actual or perceived disability, or where the offence was motivated by such hostility.Our absolute priority is to get more police onto our streets, cut crime, protect the public and bring more criminals to justice. We are supporting the police by providing them with the resources they need. We delivered our commitment to recruit an additional 20,000 officers by March 2023 and there are now over 149,000 officers in England and Wales, which is higher than the previous peak in March 2010 before the Police Uplift Programme.